Darren Clarke returns to Rockmount GC

Upon arrival Darren was immediately impressed by the maturity of the course since opening it in 1995. Twenty six four-balls had taken up the option to play in the golf classic from local companies and from the two main Irish Military regiments: Darren spoke to and posed for a photograph with each four-ball before they teed off. There was plenty to play for with a BMW car for a hole in one at the twelfth and an Alfa Romeo car for a hole in one at the sixteenth, unfortunately no-one was able to complete the feat. Wesley Ramsey the professional at Knockbracken Driving Range was also in attendance and everyone playing had the opportunity to ‘beat the professional’ by getting a shot inside and nearer to the pin than Wesley’s. Only seven managed to get inside Wesley tee shots. The purpose of the Darren Clarke Charity Golf Classic was to raise much needed funds for Soldiers from the Irish Guards and the Royal Irish Regiment that have been injured whilst serving their country. A large crowd was present to watch and follow Darren’s four-ball which included the world famous actor Robert Powell, Jamie Myerscroff from the K-Club in Dublin and Marco Deane son of the chef Michael Deane. Darren showed plenty of his skills that made him British Open Champion in 2011 and left the crowd suitably pleased with his performance. Darren completed the course in a one under par 71 proving the course is as difficult for a seasoned professional as it is for members and visitors alike. Darren’s round included three birdies at the sixth, eight and eighteenth holes with bogeys at the second and sixteenth. Once all the scorecards had been counted Darren thanked Rockmount Golf Club and the Gents Captain Glenn Willis and Lady Captain Noeleen Houston for their hospitality before presenting prizes to the winners and runners up in the Gents and Ladies sections. First in the men’s section with 41 points was Francis Ward from the Irish Guards and second was Frank Wallace a former Captain at Rockmount Golf Club who had 37 points. In the Ladies section the winner amassed 29 points but second was Rockmount Golf Clubs, Lady Captain, Noeleen Houston with 28 points. The rest of the evening was spent in the large marquee, the Duke of Abercorn welcomed everyone. Those assembled were treated to a splendid meal prepared in the kitchens at Rockmount under the leadership and direction of Michael Deane. The entertainment included the African National Children’s Choir, the pipes and drums of the Irish Guards and the Royal Irish Regiment and the incredibly talented Sarah Brown who has performed with the likes of Simple Minds, Bryan Ferry and Duran Duran. Robert Powell assumed the role of auctioneer on the night and very successfully sold an impressive array of paintings, sculptures and travel packages all donated in order to boost the funds. Before the evening concluded Darren again took to the stage to thank all those present and all those that had contributed to the success of the day and evening.